Home
UK Masters
Ogmore Vale Tang Soo Do

Master Christian Hellings teaches at Ogmore Vale Tang Soo Do

Rank: Master Instructor

Grade: 4^th Dan

Dan Number: 26448

Date of Birth: 4^th July 1973

Tang Soo Do History

1982

Started training Tang Soo Do under Master W. Williams (then 1^st dan), In Pontyclun Community Centre.

“My older brother had been training for a number of months and enjoying himself. I went to my first class to see what all the fuss was about. Training under Master Williams I gained an enthusiasm for Tang Soo Do that has rarely left me. I was also lucky enough to train on regular basis with Master Tong Mun Kim."

1989

Graded to 1^st Dan under Master Tong Mun Kim

Attended T.M. Kims open Championships in Atlanta USA

1^st place individual sparring.

3^rd place team sparring.

1990

Attended 1^st ITF World Championships in Pittsburgh USA

Gold Medal under 18 yrs Black Belt Sparring.

Bronze Medal under 18 yrs Black Belt Hyung.

Attained Kyo Sa (registered instructor) rank.

1991

Graded to 2^nd Dan under Master T.M. Kim

1994

Takes over Tonyrefail Tang Soo Do.

1995

Graded to 3^rd Dan Under Master C.S. Kim

1996

Attended 3^rd ITF World Championships in Pittsburgh USA

Silver Medal Men’s Heavyweight Black Belt Sparring.

1998

Attended 5^th ITF World Championships in Cardiff Wales

Bronze Medal Men’s Heavyweight Black Belt Sparring.

Bronze Medal Men’s Black Belt Hyung.

1999

Attended ITF 1^st Invitational Open Championships

1^st place Men’s Black Belt Hyung.

1^st place Men's Black Belt destruction.

3^rd place Men’s Black Belt Sparring

Grand Champion Hyung

Opened Master Hellings Family Martial Arts at Ogmore Vale.

2000

Graded to 4^th Dan under Master C.S. Kim

2005

Attended the 4^th Master / Instructor's Conference in Pittsburgh

Qualified in CPR and the use of defibrillators.

2006

Attained the 'P Award' status in training Speed, Agility & Quickness by SAQ^® International and became a certificated SAQ^® Trainer.

2007

Re-certified in First Aid.

N.B. Master Hellings has also had success in many National Tournaments over the years, but has chosen to list only those events that hold the most significance for him.

My Instructor:

I believe Master W Williams to be the very embodiment of "indomitable spirit". His drive and dedication to the furtherment of Tang Soo Do is a shining beacon too all who have the honour of knowing and training with him.

Reasons to continue Practicing & Teaching Tang Soo Do:

First let me say that although this may at first seem a strange question, I believe it’s important to keep these reasons firmly in mind. They may change from time to time, but be sure to keep them close to your heart.

Tang Soo Do has brought me through some hard times; it’s my anchor in the storm of life.

Tang Soo Do is fitness training with a passion that can’t be found in the gym.

The reward that comes with helping others realise their hidden potential.

Tang Soo Do continues to set me challenges.

Loyalty (to my instructor, my Students, & to Myself).

Likes:

learning (especially about my self).

Dislikes:

Bad Manners (not the band, they’re quite good).

Favourite Music:

I like lots of different music, but right now I’m listening to;

The Foo fighters

Arcade Fire

Matchbox 20 (in advance of their up coming gig in Cardiff)

and many others

Other Hobbies & Interests:

Reading (a recent favourite is 'The Accident Man' by Tom Cain.)

Computer programming (yea I know, it’s nerdy)

Fitness Training (anything that works up a sweat)

Learning to play my guitar

Watching Rugby Union

Playing Poker